Direct Write Laboratory (DWL)
The Direct-Write Laboratory (DWL) at South Dakota Mines is a multi-user facility focused on the use of direct-write tools to produce functional devices. Direct-write broadly describes a number of manufacturing technologies that create parts through additive manufacturing as opposed to traditional, subtractive methods such as milling. The laboratory currently houses production systems that span four deposition techniques, that include industrial inkjet, aerosol jet, offset and micro-syringe.
In addition, the laboratory formulates its own specialty inks. These inks are used by the direct write production systems. Consequently, the DWL includes large volume centrifuges, sonicators, filtration systems, and fume hoods.
Scientists from across the science and engineering disciplines use the laboratory to facilitate research on a diverse group of projects including security printing, artificial electromagnetic materials, adaptive optics, photovoltaic cells, microwave frequency devices, and chemical sensing.